Our countertops are in, we went with a black (slate) Paperstone. We were waiting to get a cabinet installation so that was the delay. We have a new faucet and a new undermount sink and because of the new cabinet, more counter space. We already got the BlueStar range aka flamethrower, it’s pretty awesome. And we’re going with a Vent-A-Hood and waiting to get that installed.
What’s left is an Oceanside glass tile backsplash, cork floors, we have to paint our refrigerator black, paint the room, and probably update the lighting. A skylight would be nice too.
Bathroom is next after this and then the house is pretty much as done as can be unless we do solar panels (which we won’t until the price goes down to $5k - $7k).
We’ve got Atrium vinyl double pane, double hung windows. They’re pretty good and we’re happy with them, we had them installed when we first got the house 6 years ago. I don’t know if Ultrex Integrity from Marvin windows were available but may have chosen them instead; these ones are made out of fiberglass. Milgard makes a fiberglass window too. Fiberglass is supposed to be the best replacement window which also means it’s the most expensive (I hear). Vinyl and wood both have their pros and cons, and aluminum is just bad all around.
This is for future reference. Would also like to go with Sinan’s Windows for the installation.
We have this euphorbia plant at the new house but it’s overgrown and in a bad location. I hope i can move it to somewhere better in the backyard. There’s a lot of these plants in Oakland/Berkeley, it’s a nice but strange “architectural” plant.
Other favorites because of the smell are brugmansia, clematis armandii, and jasmine. Brugmansia is what people can smell in North Oakland (especially on Shattuck) and Berkeley, it’s a popular plant and smells really good. It might be popular too because Angel’s Trumpet can be made into a hallucinogenic tea. I wouldn’t recommend it. Jasmine, apparently, is the National Flower of the Philippines.
What I’ve learned about home appliances over the years. Not that much, but enough.
- In general, Kenmore appliances (from Sears) are the way to go. Solid products (mostly private-labeled) and solid customer repair service. A lot of appliances are private label Amana or Bosch. Fagor is a Spanish appliance company and their appliances look nice. Not sure about quality.
- Always good to go to the back of dept stores and see floor models and returned appliances for big discounts 30-40% off. We’ve gotten a bunch of stuff that way. If you buy a set or multiple appliances, bargain for more of a discount. Good to buy during a holiday sale weekend.
- Also, look for the EnergyStar label. However, non-EnergyStar appliances are already more energy efficient than appliances from 10-15 years ago. Look for rebates from your electrical and water companies, you could get $100 to $300+ back.
Range/Cooktop
I like BlueStar a lot. Crazy expensive, near restaurant grade heat and temp control but they look *much* better than Viking and others. Induction cooktops are really cool (highest energy efficiency and temp control) but about 5 - 7 years from being affordable. Don’t get self cleaning ovens.
Refrigerators
Whatever brand you get, get a top mount refrigerator (where freezer is the bottom). The $200 difference is worth it. Ours is just Kenmore-Amana.
Dishwasher
Bosch all the way (again ours is Kenmore-Bosch). Interior should be stainless steel.
Washer/Dryer
We have Bosch labeled and Kenmore-Frigidaire. Both washers are front loaders, the higher the rpm 1000 to 1200 the better. Front loaders are more efficient with its use of water and spinning water from the clothes for faster drying.
Go for vented (most common) rather than condensation dryers since the vented ones will dry faster.
The all-in-one washer/dryers are supposed to take a long time to dry so the higher capacity ones that are coming out are supposed to be best.
Warranty
Go for the extended warranty and repair.
We’re going with these guys - Oceanside Glasstile for kitchen backsplash, specifically a “Creme Brulee” iridescent mosaic. 100% recycled glass, yada-yada, hecho en mexico. Part of our mini kitchen remodel. We also went with Dawn for our faucet and sink, I guess these guys are out of China.
We should have the kitchen done by end of March. The time issue with kitchen remodeling isn’t in the actual construction, it’s choosing stuff, ordering it, and waiting for everything to come in. Realistically, it’s like 2 - 3 months just for planning and getting supplies. It’s going to take all of two weeks max to put everything in (wouldn’t be surprised if it only took one week).
I’d love an induction range w/ a convection oven and some sort of solution for a wok (doesn’t exist), but instead of that, I hear the BlueStar range is the one to go with and we’ll probably be getting one in the next couple of weeks.
Probably the 30″ BlueStar Residential Nova Burner. It’s supposed to produce some crazy heat, is well reviewed, and beat out Viking and some other “professional for the home” grade ranges.
